Perth has been told to look to Dundee for the inspiration needed to save its city centre from decline and ruin.
John Bullough, chairman and managing director of department store McEwens of Perth, believes the centre of Scotland’s newest city is in crisis.
Describing parts of the High Street as “almost derelict” and blaming out-of-town development for tearing its heart out, he said brave decisions are needed to bring vibrancy back to the centre of Perth.
The £1 billion transformation of Dundee’s waterfront has been hailed as one of the UK’s top 20 regeneration projects. A number of familiar landmarks are being demolished to create new public open spaces and buildings, not least the £45 million V&A at Dundee, which could open in 2015 and bring 500,000 visitors in its first year.
The Olympia and Hilton Hotel will be demolished, with a new swimming pool already taking shape and a new rail station, civic space and cycling and walking routes all being created.
Hotels, including the long derelict Tay Hotel, are also being regenerated in a bold re-imagining of Dundee.
In an impassioned plea in which he described the rejuvenation of Dundee’s centre as ”courageous” Mr Bullough called upon Perth’s leaders to show the same imagination.
”Perth’s city centre is in crisis,” said Mr Bullough, whose store is the city centre’s largest private employer. ”The departure of Laura Ashley and Past Times has made the western end of our High Street almost derelict.’Rotting shell”’This, combined with the rotting shell of our City Hall, gives us all the flavour of what the future of Perth may look like if we are not prepared to take the brave decisions that are required to protect its businesses and make its centre more vibrant.
”The approval of yet another supermarket on the western edge (there are two monsters in the pipeline) could well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Seeing the exciting and courageous plans that Dundee have with the V&A makes me hope that one day Perth will show the same level of innovation in developing its own city centre.”
Perth and Kinross Council is investigating how city status and the increased profile it offers can be used to boost confidence in the retail sector and increase visitor numbers.
Mr Bullough continued: ”If we do not manage to make Perth an exciting destination, then what will it look like for our grandchildren?
”It is now universally understood that the success of any large town or small city is inextricably linked to the vibrancy of its city centre. We must protect and enhance our beloved city’s centre.
”The future success of our whole county depends on it.”